American telecom giant, Verizon has struck a partnership with satellite operator Skylo to offer a commercial direct-to-device messaging service for U.S. customers starting this fall.
This new service will allow users with compatible smartphones to access emergency messaging and location sharing even when they are out of range of terrestrial cell networks. By early next year, Verizon plans to expand the service, enabling users to send text messages from anywhere via a satellite connection.
Verizon confirmed that the service will be available at no additional cost to customers with capable devices, regardless of their price plan. Initially, the service will be rolled out on the Pixel 9 devices, with the Galaxy S25 expected to follow. The company also plans to add text-anywhere functionality to its emergency text and location services next year.
The service is similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS feature, which was introduced with the iPhone 14 two years ago, allowing users to contact emergency services through a satellite link. Verizon’s new offering is designed to complement Apple’s iOS 18 satellite features, extending the ability to text via satellite to users of different devices.
Skylo, Verizon’s chosen partner for this initiative, specializes in Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) communications for smartphones and other devices. While Skylo does not operate its own satellites, it leases spectrum from providers like VIASAT, EchoStar, Strigo, and Ligado Networks, effectively functioning as a virtual network operator in space.
This collaboration is not Verizon’s first foray into satellite partnerships. Earlier this year, Verizon joined forces with AST SpaceMobile, following in the footsteps of rival operator AT&T. However, AST SpaceMobile’s commercial service is still in development, with only a single test satellite, BlueWalker 3, currently in orbit. The more extensive BlueBird satellite units are awaiting launch, scheduled for September.
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While AST SpaceMobile aims to enable voice and data services via standard smartphones, Verizon has chosen not to wait for AST’s full satellite array to become operational. “We are very excited not only to work with AST, but to be a long-term investor in the success of their satellite services,” a Verizon spokesperson stated. “Until their satellite array is launched and functional, we wanted to ensure all our customers with capable devices have basic satellite messaging connectivity.”
Verizon has not provided a timeline for when the AST-based service may become available. However, Japan’s Rakuten Mobile, another partner of AST SpaceMobile, has indicated that its satellite-based mobile offering is expected to launch in 2026.
Skylo had previously partnered with British smartphone maker Bullitt for an emergency satellite messaging service tailored to ruggedized handsets, announced at CES in January 2023. Unfortunately, the company folded earlier this year.
